St. Mary's Chapel

St. Mary's Chapel on the Hill, also known as the Glass Chapel, is the main chapel at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on Mount St. Mary's University campus (find location on our Interactive Map of the Grotto). The chapel was added to the national shrine in 1976 so that thousands of pilgrims can celebrate Mass at the Grotto without concerns of adverse weather.

The surrounding windows permits the outside beauty of nature come inside while reflecting on the Blessed Sacrament.

Mass and Sacrament Schedule

Weddings at St. Mary's Chapel on the Hill

The St. Mary's Chapel on the Hill is a worship space for the Mount's student community of collegians and seminarians along with thousands of pilgrims each year. Because it is not a parish church, there are strict guidelines governing the use of the Chapel for the celebration of the Sacraments. The guidelines of the Archdiocese of Baltimore grant permission for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Chapel only to couples who have a relationship to Mount St. Mary's University. In order to be eligible, at least one party must meet one of the following qualifications:

Students currently enrolled at Mount St. Mary's University and have completed at least two semesters.

Alumni of the University.

Employees of Mount St. Mary's University or their children, Members of the Board of Trustees or their children

We regret that we are not able to extend the privilege of being married at Mount St. Mary's to the general public, in accord with the policy agreed upon by the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Mount St. Mary's University. The sons and daughters of Alumni do not qualify. The University does not have the authority to grant exceptions to this policy.

St. Mary's Chapel on the HIll is a Catholic chapel. If at least one party is a Catholic, then the couple is bound to marry according to the guidelines of the Catholic Church: the Roman Catholic Rite of Marriage officiated by a priest or deacon, with at least two witnesses. With the permission of the bishop, this requirement can be dispensed for mixed-religion couples. For non-Catholic couples, other forms of the celebration of marriage will be considered, presuming they follow the guidelines set forth by their own churches or ecclesial communities and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Respecting the solemn nature of marriage, ceremonies are only celebrated inside the sacred space of St. Mary's Chapel on the Hill at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Preserve Your Memory at St. Mary's Chapel on the Hill

Preserve the memory of your special occasion or loved ones on this beautiful mountain shrine devoted to Our Mother Virgin Mary. The walkway to St. Mary's Chapel on the Hill at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes leads us closer to the Blessed Sacrament. By honoring or memorializing your loved one on this wall, your memories become in communion with hundreds of pilgrims who walk this path to celebrate Mass in the chapel and ask for the intercession Our Lady of Lourdes.